Endodontic Retreatment – When a Root Canal Fails

With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. However, sometimes a tooth that has been treated doesn’t heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment. If your tooth failed to heal or develops new problems, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can provide you with a second chance, utilizing a procedure called endodontic retreatment.

Endodontic therapy is a complicated procedure that uses files to extract the infected pulp from the root. When the infection remains in the root’s canals, the tooth may not heal, causing it to become reinfected. The first step in endodontic retreatment is non-surgical treatment, which is performed like a typical root canal. Although the procedure is similar to your original root canal treatment, it requires more precision to better remove what was missed before.

If you're experiencing discomfort in a tooth that had a root canal, don't ignore it. The sooner you have endodontic retreatment, the better chance you'll have of saving your tooth and getting relief from your pain. To learn more about the procedure and why an endodontic retreatment is necessary, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an oral cancer screening with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Understanding the Actions of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N20. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. In Enid, OK, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS only administers this pain relieving formula to eligible patients.

Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases, all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated. Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide will wear off fairly quickly and you will probably be able to drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.

You will need to have a preliminary visit with your dentist to make sure that you are an eligible candidate for nitrous sedation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. To learn more about Nitrous oxide and services provided at the office, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information.

Straight Teeth are Healthy Teeth

Swollen red gums can often be the result of having teeth that are crowded or too widely spaced. When teeth are properly aligned, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems. In Enid, OK, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, can provide you with a variety of options to straighten your teeth so that you can have a beautiful healthy smile.

When teeth are properly aligned, they’re easier to clean and when your teeth are clean and dental plaque free, you’re less likely to need a tooth filling or gum disease treatment. When teeth are straight, it helps the gums fit more securely around the teeth, allowing for the strongest and healthiest defense against potential periodontal problems.

Tooth decay and gum disease are caused by bacteria. Left untreated, they can cause mouth sores, tender or bleeding gums, bad breath, and possible tooth loss.  Correctly aligning your teeth can also alleviate the issues that can be caused by an improper bite, speech or chewing difficulties, jaw problems and increased wear on the tooth enamel.

If you are considering braces, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS offers Invisalign as well as traditional braces as options. To learn more about these options visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

Oral Cancer Screenings

An oral cancer screening means looking for cancer in the mouth before a person has any symptoms. This can help find cancer at an early stage and when abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat.  Oral cancer screenings are a very important part of the dental visit for the patient. With the advances in modern technology, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, is now able to pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution.

The oral cancer screening is often completed with an ultraviolet light or similar device that allows us to view issues that can't always be detected by the human eye under normal conditions. During your dental visit, Dr. Dennis Morehart can talk to you about your health history and examine these areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. The screening will consist of a visual inspection of the mouth and palpation of the jaw and neck.

It is important to remember that your dentist does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test. Screening tests are given when you have no cancer symptoms. To schedule an oral cancer screening with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. To learn more about oral cancer screenings and other services provided at the office, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information.